Rubio visiting Israel and Jordan on Mideast trip

Rubio to discuss Israeli-Palestinian peace process with leaders

PEMBROKE PARK, Fla. - U.S. Senator Marco Rubio has left for an official visit to the Middle East.

In a statement posted to his website Saturday, the Republican lawmaker from West Miami announced his visit.

"I am departing to the Middle East on an official trip in my capacities as a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee and Foreign Relations Committee. I will be visiting Jordan and Israel," Rubio wrote. "This will be my first visit to Jordan and my second to Israel."

During his week-long trip, Rubio will meet with Israeli and Palestinian leaders, andtalk about the Israeli-Palestinian peace process.

Rubio is also expected to meet with King Abdullah in Jordan.

His trip comes after he gave the Republican response to President Obama's State of the Union Address Tuesday.

Senator Rubio also recently commented on a publication released by USA Today regarding immigration reform.

In a story published online Saturday, USA Today says a draft immigration bill prepared by the White House lays out an eight-year process for illegal immigrants to become legal permanent residents.

USA Today says the draft bill would allow illegal immigrants in the U.S. to apply for newly-created "Lawful Prospective Immigrant" visas. The bill would also provide more security funding and require that businesses verify the immigration status of new hires within four years.

Moments after the publication of the bill, Rubio weighed in on Twitter. "The President's immigration plan repeats too many mistakes of the past. A bipartisan plan being developed in the Senate will be better, fair, and responsible."